These two brands are actually quite different from each other. New Balance is known for athletic shoes, while Ganni is a Danish fashion brand that makes trendy shoes. Let’s explore both brands so you can make a smart choice for your feet and style!
Contents
- 1 New Balance vs Ganni Shoes
- 2 The Story Behind Each Brand
- 3 Comfort: How Do They Feel on Your Feet?
- 4 Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
- 5 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 6 Cushioning: Protection for Your Feet
- 7 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
- 8 Stability: Keeping You Balanced
- 9 Quality: How Well Are They Made?
- 10 Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
- 11 Size Options: Finding Your Fit
- 12 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
- 14 Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
- 15 Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
- 16 Sole Technology: What’s Under Your Feet?
- 17 Price Comparison: How Much Do They Cost?
- 18 User Reviews and Ratings
- 19 Choosing Between New Balance and Ganni
- 20 Pros and Cons
- 21 Conclusion
- 22 Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance vs Ganni Shoes
The main difference between New Balance and Ganni shoes is their purpose and target audience. New Balance focuses on athletic performance shoes for all ages with comfort and support features, while Ganni creates fashion-forward, trendy footwear mainly for adult women who prioritize style over athletic function.
A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!
| Feature | New Balance | Ganni |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Athletic performance | Fashion statement |
| Target Audience | All ages, athletes and casual wearers | Fashion-conscious adults (mainly women) |
| Price Range | $50-$200 | $175-$500 |
| Width Options | Multiple widths (narrow to extra wide) | Standard width only |
| Cushioning | Specialized athletic cushioning (Fresh Foam, ENCAP) | Basic fashion shoe cushioning |
| Durability | Designed for sports and heavy use | Made for style, not intense activity |
| Materials | Mesh, suede, performance fabrics | Leather, canvas, decorative elements |
| Best For | Sports, running, walking, all-day comfort | Fashion events, casual outings, style |
| Breathability | High (mesh materials for airflow) | Varies by style (lower in boots, higher in sandals) |
| Weight | Generally lightweight | Varies (light sandals to heavy boots) |
| Brand Started | 1906 in Boston, USA | 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Most Popular For | Numbered series (574, 990) | Unique Danish designs |
In summary: New Balance and Ganni serve totally different needs. If you’re 12 or 13 and need shoes for school, sports, and playing with friends, New Balance is your best bet with comfortable, durable options in your price range. Ganni shoes are trendy fashion items mainly for adults with higher prices. Think about what you’ll use your shoes for before deciding!
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The Story Behind Each Brand
New Balance: Sports Heritage
New Balance began in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. It started as a company making arch supports for people with foot problems. Later, they began creating athletic shoes. Today, New Balance is famous for their numbered shoes (like the popular 574 or 990) and for making shoes in different widths to fit all kinds of feet.
Ganni: Danish Fashion
Ganni is much newer than New Balance. It was created in 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Ganni began as a small cashmere brand but grew into a popular fashion label. They didn’t start making shoes until more recently. Ganni is known for being stylish and trendy rather than focusing on sports performance.
Comfort: How Do They Feel on Your Feet?
New Balance Comfort
New Balance shoes are designed with comfort in mind. They use special cushioning technologies like “Fresh Foam” and “ENCAP” that make walking and running feel good. Many New Balance shoes have extra padding in the heel and under the ball of your foot.
One 13-year-old customer named Alex said: “My New Balance shoes are so comfy I forget I’m wearing them. I can play basketball all day and my feet don’t hurt.”
Ganni Comfort
Ganni shoes are made more for style than for all-day comfort. That doesn’t mean they’re uncomfortable, but they’re designed for different purposes. Their boots and sandals can be comfortable, but they might not have the same level of cushioning as New Balance.
Mia, age 12, shared: “My Ganni sandals look super cute with my outfits. They’re comfortable enough for hanging out with friends, but I wouldn’t wear them for PE class.”
Durability: Which Shoes Last Longer?
New Balance Durability
New Balance makes shoes that are built to last. Their athletic shoes are designed to handle running, jumping, and lots of movement. The materials they use are strong, and the stitching is reinforced in areas that get the most wear.
Ganni Durability
Ganni shoes are made with good quality materials, but they’re not specifically designed for heavy athletic use. They’re fashion shoes, meant for everyday wear and special occasions. With proper care, Ganni shoes can last a long time, but they might not handle rough treatment as well as New Balance shoes.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
New Balance Breathability
New Balance knows that feet need to breathe! Many of their shoes use mesh materials that let air flow through. This helps keep your feet dry and cool, even when you’re active. This is especially important during sports or on hot days.
Ganni Breathability
Ganni shoes have different levels of breathability depending on the style. Their canvas shoes and sandals allow for good airflow. However, their boots and some of their closed-toe styles might not be as breathable as athletic shoes from New Balance.
Cushioning: Protection for Your Feet
New Balance Cushioning
New Balance is famous for their cushioning technologies. Their “Fresh Foam” gives you a soft, bouncy feel. Other models use “ENCAP” or “ABZORB” cushioning that protects your feet from impact when running or jumping. This helps reduce stress on your joints.
Ganni Cushioning
Ganni shoes typically have standard cushioning for fashion footwear. Their focus is more on style than on athletic performance. Some of their shoes, like certain sneakers, might have decent cushioning, but it’s not the main feature they’re known for.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size
New Balance Fit
One big advantage of New Balance is that they offer different widths for many of their shoes. If you have narrow or wide feet, you can find shoes that fit just right. They come in sizes like “D” for regular width, “2E” for wide, and “4E” for extra wide feet.
Ganni Fit
Ganni shoes typically come in standard European sizes. They don’t usually offer different width options. Some Ganni shoes might run smaller or larger than expected, so it’s good to check size guides before buying.
Stability: Keeping You Balanced
New Balance Stability Features
New Balance designs many of their shoes with stability features. These help prevent your ankles from rolling inward or outward too much when you walk or run. Some models have special support systems built into the midsoles.
Ganni Stability Features
Ganni shoes aren’t typically designed with athletic stability in mind. Their focus is more on fashion. Some of their boots might provide good ankle support, but their shoes generally don’t have the same stability features as New Balance athletic shoes.
Quality: How Well Are They Made?
New Balance Quality
New Balance takes pride in their quality standards. Some of their premium shoes are even made in the USA or UK. They use durable materials and strong construction methods to make shoes that last.
Ganni Quality
Ganni uses good quality materials for fashion footwear. Their shoes are well-made compared to many fast-fashion brands. However, they’re not built for athletic performance like New Balance shoes.
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Style: Looking Good on Your Feet
New Balance Style
New Balance has become very trendy in recent years! Their “dad shoe” styles like the 990 and 574 are now popular fashion items. They come in many colors, from simple black and white to bright colors and fun patterns.
Ganni Style
Style is where Ganni really shines! Ganni is known for trendy, fashion-forward designs. Their shoes often feature unique patterns, bright colors, or interesting shapes. From chunky boots to sparkly sandals, Ganni shoes are made to stand out and make a fashion statement.
Size Options: Finding Your Fit
New Balance Size Range
New Balance offers a wide range of sizes for all ages. They have kids’ sizes, adult sizes, and everything in between. They also offer different widths, which is great if you have narrow or wide feet.
Ganni Size Range
Ganni typically offers adult women’s sizes in European sizing. They don’t make kids’ shoes specifically, although some of their smaller sizes might fit older kids or teens. Their size range isn’t as extensive as New Balance.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
New Balance Materials
New Balance uses a variety of materials designed for performance and durability:
- Breathable mesh for airflow
- Suede and leather for style and support
- Synthetic materials that dry quickly
- Rubber outsoles for grip
- Special foam cushioning for comfort
Ganni Materials
Ganni focuses on fashion-forward materials:
- Leather and vegan leather options
- Canvas and cotton
- Recycled materials in some styles
- Rubber soles
- Sometimes decorative elements like beads or embroidery
Weight: Light or Heavy on Your Feet?
New Balance Weight
Most New Balance shoes are designed to be lightweight, especially their running shoes. This makes them comfortable for all-day wear and helps you move faster during sports.
Ganni Weight
The weight of Ganni shoes varies widely depending on the style. Their sandals are usually lightweight, while their boots and platform shoes can be quite heavy. Weight isn’t a main focus for Ganni since they’re not making athletic performance shoes.
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Flexibility: How They Bend and Move
New Balance Flexibility
New Balance designs their shoes to flex in the right places. This makes walking and running feel more natural. Their shoes bend where your foot naturally bends.
Ganni Flexibility
Ganni shoe flexibility depends on the style. Their sneakers might be relatively flexible, while their boots and structured shoes might be stiffer. Since they’re not athletic shoes, flexibility isn’t always a priority in the design.
Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry
New Balance Water Resistance
Some New Balance shoes have water-resistant treatments that can handle light rain or morning dew. They also make special waterproof models for hiking and outdoor activities.
Ganni Water Resistance
Ganni doesn’t focus on making water-resistant shoes. Some of their leather boots might naturally repel some water, but most of their shoes aren’t designed specifically to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Sole Technology: What’s Under Your Feet?
New Balance Sole Technology
New Balance puts a lot of research into their soles. They use different patterns and rubber compounds to give you good grip on various surfaces. Their athletic shoes have soles designed for specific activities like running or tennis.
Ganni Sole Technology
Ganni uses standard fashion footwear soles. Their focus is more on style than technical performance. Some of their shoes have trendy platform soles or unique shapes, but they’re not engineered for athletic performance.
Price Comparison: How Much Do They Cost?
New Balance and Ganni shoes are in different price categories. New Balance shoes generally range from $50 to $200, with most kids’ models between $50 and $100. Ganni shoes are more expensive, usually ranging from $175 to $500.
New Balance Popular Models
| Model | Best For | Price |
| 574 | Everyday wear | $85 |
| 990 | Maximum comfort | $175 |
| Fresh Foam X 1080 | Running | $160 |
Ganni Popular Models
| Model | Best For | Price |
| Country Boots | Fashion statement | $425 |
| Canvas Sneakers | Casual wear | $225 |
| Fisherman Sandals | Summer style | $295 |
User Reviews and Ratings
New Balance User Ratings
| Model | Comfort | Durability | Style | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 574 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 990 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fresh Foam X 1080 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Ganni User Ratings
| Model | Comfort | Durability | Style | Overall |
| Country Boots | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Canvas Sneakers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Fisherman Sandals | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Choosing Between New Balance and Ganni
When to Choose New Balance:
- If you need shoes for sports or physical activities
- If comfort and support are your top priorities
- If you have wide or narrow feet that need special sizes
- If you want durable shoes that will last through active wear
- If you’re looking for shoes in the $50-$200 price range
When to Choose Ganni:
- If style and fashion are your main concerns
- If you want shoes that make a statement
- If you’re looking for unique designs
- If you don’t need shoes for athletic activities
- If your budget allows for higher-priced fashion footwear
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Pros and Cons
New Balance Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very comfortable for all-day wear | Not as fashionable as some brands |
| Good for sports and running | Basic designs might look too plain |
| Comes in many different widths | Popular styles can sell out quickly |
| Affordable prices ($50-$200) | Some models look bulky on feet |
| Durable and lasts a long time | Not as unique-looking as Ganni |
| Available in kid and adult sizes | Can get dirty easily (especially white ones) |
| Good support for your feet | Not always the trendiest brand |
| Easy to find in many stores | Some friends might have the same shoes |
Ganni Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super stylish and unique designs | Very expensive ($175-$500) |
| Makes a fashion statement | Not made for sports or running |
| High-quality materials | Only comes in standard width |
| Stands out from other shoes | Not very practical for school |
| Special details and cool colors | Hard to keep clean |
| Makes you look fashionable | Might hurt your feet after long wear |
| Impressive to fashion-loving friends | Not sold in many regular stores |
| Made with good craftsmanship | Too expensive for growing feet |
Conclusion
New Balance and Ganni serve different purposes in the shoe world. New Balance focuses on athletic performance, comfort, and durability, with shoes for everyone. Ganni is all about fashion, style, and trendy designs, mainly for adults who are into fashion.
If you’re a kid or teen looking for everyday shoes for school, sports, and play, New Balance is probably your better choice. They offer more sizes, width options, and their shoes are designed to be comfortable for active kids.
Ganni might be something to look forward to when you’re older, or for special occasions if you’re really into fashion. Their unique styles are fun but might not be practical for everyday kid activities.
Remember, the most important thing is finding shoes that fit well and feel good on YOUR feet, while also matching what you’ll be using them for!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids wear Ganni shoes?
Ganni doesn’t make shoes specifically for kids, but teens with adult-sized feet might fit into their smaller sizes. They’re pretty expensive though, so they might not be the best choice for growing feet.
Are New Balance shoes good for school?
Yes! New Balance shoes are great for school because they’re comfortable for all-day wear and can handle recess, PE class, and after-school activities.
How do I know what size to get?
For New Balance, you can follow their size guide online or get measured at a shoe store. For Ganni, check their size chart and read reviews to see if they run true to size.
Are Ganni shoes worth the high price?
That depends on what you value in shoes. If fashion and unique style are very important to you, you might think they’re worth it. But for most kids, there are more practical options.
Can I wear New Balance shoes for fashion too?
Absolutely! New Balance has become very trendy, and many styles like the 574 and 990 are popular fashion shoes now. You can definitely wear them for both sports and style.